As you get comfortable with the operation, maybe buy and rent a couple of those as STR/MTR/or LTR. 

However, the loan would need to be under my name, as they won’t allow LLCs.I’ve received advice from others who feel comfortable with this arrangement as long as they have high insurance coverage limits, which the lender also recommended.

Your disposition may be to move forward with that as i believe i read in your introduction - but not needed to understand and develop some degree of comfortability.  

I am a busy man, sometimes more than others, as we all are.I come in here to help others when I can.I make no money from this-and making money is my primary focus.That and handling the responsibilities and time consuming tasks that go with it.I also lead a very comfortable life full of friends and business acquaintances that take up a great deal of my time.

When I was his age and even into my early 30's I had a fear of speaking to people or publicly and am comfortable doing it now, but we have felt this is a good skill to have.

But, it is comforting to see a vast network of experienced investors from whom we can learn and new investors with whom we can share our experiences as we learn. 

Option A (continue renting) offers stable, inflation-protected income and potential appreciation, but managing the property may impact your retirement comfort.

Get out of your comfort zone.

First, what's your comfort zone for distance?

Get out of your comfort zone.